Tourism businesses warned about flash floods

Greenwise Staff

11th June 2010

The Environment Agency is warning tourism businesses to be aware of their health and safety responsibilities in the event of flash floods.

As the UK summer holiday season gets underway, the Environment Agency is alerting the tourism industry of the dangers of floods and the potential damage they can wreak on a business’ reputation and ability to trade. It is urging companies to take precautions against floods, just as they would against a fire.

"Ensuring your tourism business is prepared for flash floods could save lives – it could also save your business," the agency said.

According to a report published earlier this year by the Environment Agency the average cost born by businesses in the floods that devastated large parts of the UK in the summer of 2007 was around £100,000, while the number of businesses affected by the floods was between 7,000 to 8,000.

Camping and caravan sites

Tourism businesses most at risk, said the agency, are camping and caravan sites where caravans, tents, and mobile homes can be swept away in a flash flood.

Half of camping and caravan sites in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Shropshire are in danger of flooding, accoding to the agency.

During the 2007 floods, the havoc wreaked upon these types of businesses was severe, with many overlooked by emergency services. Campsites flooded across Gloucestershire and along the River Avon in Warwickshire and Worcestershire, a trend that the EA said has developed over the last 12 years.

The Environment Agency has produced a short leaflet specifically for tourism businesses in areas susceptible to a flash flooding. It advises companies to contact the Flood Incident Management team at their local Environment Agency office for more information.